Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for October 22, 2025 #863

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for October 22, 2025 #863

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2025-10-22. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — October 22, 2025

Green Category — October 22, 2025

Blue Category — October 22, 2025

Purple Category — October 22, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — KINDS OF ANTS

Why is “PHARAOH” in the Blue group?

a type of ant, also referring to ancient Egyptian rulers

Blue group — KINDS OF ANTS

Why is “CARPENTER” in the Blue group?

a type of ant that infests wood, also a profession

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (October 22, 2025)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

MOLD
Definition: to shape or influence something
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of fungus
FIRE
Definition: a type of ant
Why it's tricky: can also refer to flames or passion
CAT
Definition: a type of copy, as in copycat
Why it's tricky: can also refer to the animal
RIGHT
Definition: correct or proper, as in copyright
Why it's tricky: can also refer to direction or politics

Connections #863 explained

Why these words connect (October 22, 2025)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: UTILITIES

These are all essential services provided to households, including electricity, gas, telephone, and water. They are all necessary for daily life and are typically paid for on a monthly basis.

Green group: ADAPT TO FIT ONE'S NEEDS

These are all words that relate to changing or modifying something to fit a particular purpose or need. They can all be used to describe the process of adapting or customizing something to suit individual requirements.

Blue group: KINDS OF ANTS

These are all types of ants, including army ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, and pharaoh ants. Each type has unique characteristics and behaviors.

Purple group: COPY___

These are all words that can be combined with 'copy' to form a new word or phrase, such as copycat, copywriter, or copyright. Each word has a unique meaning and usage.

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

FIRE

Seems like it belongs to: UTILITIES

Actually belongs to: KINDS OF ANTS

fire can be a utility, but in this context, it refers to a type of ant

CAT

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF ANTS

Actually belongs to: COPY___

cat can be an animal, but in this context, it refers to a type of copy

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “FIRE” didn't go with UTILITIES

Seems like: UTILITIES → Actually: KINDS OF ANTS

fire can be a utility, but in this context, it refers to a type of ant

Why “CAT” didn't go with KINDS OF ANTS

Seems like: KINDS OF ANTS → Actually: COPY___

cat can be an animal, but in this context, it refers to a type of copy

Browse by Date

2026

February

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1234567891011121314151617181920